The Benefits of Microfiber

Jim Buik - Friday, December 20, 2013

With the latest advancements in technology in recent years, the future of fabric has arrived: microfiber. What is microfiber? A blend of polyester and nylon fibers that are split many times smaller than human hair (1/16th) and woven together to create a net-like surface area.

What does this mean? It means it is able to absorb 7 to 8 times its weight in liquid. Also, the fibers generate a static electric charge when moved across a surface that attracts dust and contains it, as opposed to spreading and releasing particles in the air. These microfibers can also get into nooks and crevices that traditional cotton cloth cannot. Magic.

This amounts to increased worker productivity because they will not have to spend time and effort dipping and wringing a conventional mop. A microfiber mop head, for example, does not have to be changed between tasks as long as it’s not put back in the cleaning solution. It also reduces risk of worker injury since microfiber weighs significantly less and is easier to use.

Besides worker wellness, it helps protect the environment by reducing your waste stream and the use of water and chemical usage. Microfiber mops use about 10-20 times less liquid than standard cotton mops and many microfiber products do not require the use of chemicals at all.

The rise in use of microfiber is also due to the fact that it reduces bacteria by 99% from non-porous surfaces without the use of chemicals, according to the University of California, Davis Medical Center. Whereas, cotton only picks up 30% of bacteria on floors. The benefits to the healthcare industry are immense, especially since microfiber reduces cross-contamination. Microfiber cloths treated with an antimicrobial are designed to prevent the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria.

What’s more? Microfiber lasts forever. If washed properly, some microfiber products are able to withstand 500 to 600 laundering cycles. This can save your facility thousands of dollars by not having to replace them often. There is also cost savings in reduced building maintenance, microfiber is more effective and safer with its high absorbency and ergonomic design.

Contact the uniform rental company to find out about the microfiber products we offer, so you can go ahead and ditch your old mop.